Question

a. Explain the importance of verbal coding in short-term memory.

b. Explain the importance of verbal coding in long-term memory.

Answer 1

a. Short-term memory is short-duration, limited capacity store of information, which is lately become synonymous with Working Memory. It is the second stage of memory, where only relevant information from the first store - sensory memory - is processed. Information is encoded via the sense organs and must be decoded by our complex perceptual and related neurological processes.

Verbal encoding is an aspect of symbolic coding which refers to the symbolic manner in which we understand concepts and store their memory. The other kind of coding in memory is Analogous coding, wherein memories and subsequent imagination and application of concepts are stored very much in accordance with the physical attributes of the concept/thing of concern. Verbal coding is a form of symbolic coding because language is largely symbolic. We use symbols to represent sounds (phonetics) and precisely organize combinations (morphology; syntax) to communicate meaningfully (semantics) and for social purposes (pragmatics).

Hence, Verbal meanings, sounds give very vital clues which help us perceive all incoming information in the form of spoken or written words. Verbal encoding could also be generated mentally as stimuli are being percieved. Verbal encoding is thus indispensable to short-term memory. Some scientists also believe that our intelligence or understanding of everything within ourselves and the world is limited to the language we speak, and the concepts for which the language has words.

b. Long-term memory as the name suggests is a vast memory store and is limitless in capacity. Verbal coding in this memory store allows us to communicate in the first place. When we are presented with any information, the verbally coded memories for concepts is then evoked to relay to perception what is currently happening.